PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: NATIONAL STUDENT PARTNERSHIPS
Note: Name change in 2009 to "LIFT"
Unfortunately LIFT is no longer in operation in the Boston area.
Per their website, the office closed on August 28, 2015.
HELPS WITH SSA APPLICATIONS AND MORE
LIFT (formerly National Student Partnership) is a student-run national organization, with local offices in Cambridge and Somerville, that is funded by the Federal AmeriCorps program. Students provide free case management services to Massachusetts residents year round under the direction of an AmeriCorps Coordinator.
Services
Trained college students are willing to work one on one with clients to assist them with filling out applications for public benefits; fundraising for arrears; housing needs (furniture, deposits, etc.); and referral services.
Other services include:
- Employment –Assessing needs and strengths; providing personalized job coaching and job search assistance; creating and distributing resumes and cover letters; providing computer, Internet and telephone access; identifying employment opportunities, and job training and educational programs.
- Housing – Locating affordable permanent housing, as well as short-term shelter.
- Child care – Identifying affordable child care options.
- Health care – Identifying affordable health care options, including mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
- Transportation – Determining transportation options.
- Other services – Other services may include tax counseling and filing assistance; language and citizenship resources; listening, support, advocacy and mentorship.
- SSA – Students help clients apply for/appeal SSI/SSDI; and, a group of two student will attend meetings with clients at SSA offices if necessary.
Eligibility
This organization provides individual case management services to all clients in need, there are no eligibility requirements.
Application Process
Social work referral preferred: referral form.
Language Capacity
20 of the volunteers speak Spanish, 2 speak Portuguese, 2 speak French, and 2 speak Italian.
Contact Information
LIFT- Cambridge
c/o The Cambridge Multi-Service Center
19 Brookline Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-349-6294LIFT - Somerville
c/o The Family Center
366 Somerville Ave.
Somerville, MA 02145
617-591-9400LIFT- Roxbury Office
c/o BCYF Vine Street Community Center
339 Dudley Street
Boston, MA, 02119
Phone: (617) 427-1155
Fax: (617) 427-1125www.liftcommunities.org/boston
-Thanks to Ambika Panday, Attorney/Equal Justice Works Fellow Greater Boston Legal Services, Welfare Law Unit, and our SEALS liaison, for sharing this resource from the GBLS resource database.
05/08, rev 3/13